Diabetes is a health condition that is characterized by an increase in blood sugar from the normal level of 140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L).
This article, therefore, is about knowing how to manage/control (diabetes) with healthy food options in order to live a normal and fulfilling life.
Diabetes is presently one of the most common health issues in the world now. It affects both adults and kids as such requires proper management. This condition can be caused by several factors but the common one is the inability of the pancreas to produce enough insulin, which is the chemical that helps in blood sugar control. This is called Type 1 diabetes.
Another is prediabetes which is a condition where the blood sugar is high but not high enough to cause Type 2 diabetes.
The other is where the body cannot process blood sugar the way it is supposed to. In this case, the body does not make use of the insulin it produces. This is called Type II diabetes.
While there are several ways of treating diabetes according to the type being handled such as injecting insulin, there are healthy food options that can effectively be used to manage the condition coupled with a lifestyle change.
Below are some of the options that you can consider together with the advice of your doctor:
Okra or Okoro
According to Healing Foods, by DK Publishing House, okra is “a rich source of many nutrients, including fibre, vitamin B6, and folate. B vitamins slow the progress of diabetic neuropathy and reduce levels of homocysteine. it has soluble fibre also helps stabilise sugar.” Because the fibre takes a long time to breakdown, it does not release sugar into the bloodstream quickly thus reducing the possibility of a surge in blood sugar levels.
Plantain (unripe)
Unripe plantain is an excellent source of iron and certain vitamins and minerals. They’re also a rich source of fibre, vitamins A, C, and B-6, and other minerals like magnesium, potassium and antioxidants. Plantain flour helps to Lower Cholesterol and Control Blood Sugar. It is a natural source of resistant starch that helps to reduce blood sugar levels, as such it is considered an outstanding factor for food fortification. Plantain flour can be made into swallow like amala or plantain porridge. Lovers of bread can also use plantain flour to bake their bread
Vegetable Soups:
Vegetables are good sources of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Eating more of this type of soup will help to effectively manage a diabetic condition. Among the vegetable soups that a diabetic patient can eat are water leave soup, Edikaikong, Afang Soup, Okro soup, Ewedu Soup and a couple of others.
White meat and fish:
White meat like chicken and fish are better alternatives to beef. Fish is filled with omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins such as D and B2 (riboflavin). Fish is rich in calcium and phosphorus and a great source of minerals, such as iron, zinc, iodine, magnesium, and potassium which are all good and healthy food compound.
Unsweetened Yogurt
Unsweetened Yogurt is low in carb, high in protein and so it is very good for people who are trying to manage or control diabetes. And it could also be a good alternative to carbonated soft drinks.
While these are good food alternatives for the management/control of diabetes, it is always good to consult with your doctor because blood sugar differs from person to person and so no size-fits-all.
Do you know other ways on how to manage/control diabetes with good healthy food, share with us?
